Golde Matcha Review: Everything You Need to Know About This Green Superfood Powder
Hey there matcha lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best matcha to fuel your day (and maybe also your matcha obsession). So when I recently tried Golde‘s Pure Matcha and Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend, I knew I had to share my honest review with you.
In this post, we‘ll dive deep into everything Golde matcha – from the brand‘s story and sourcing to how their matcha stacks up against other popular brands. I‘ll also share some expert tips on preparing matcha, yummy recipes to try, and a handy FAQ to answer all your burning matcha questions.
As a true matcha enthusiast, I‘ve tried dozens of different matcha brands over the years. And let me tell you, Golde is the real deal. But don‘t just take my word for it – I‘ve done the research and gathered data, reviews, and insights from other matcha lovers to give you the full scoop.
So if you‘re curious about the Golde matcha hype, or just want to uplevel your matcha game, keep reading for my in-depth review!
Why Matcha is Having a Moment
Before we get into the specifics of Golde matcha, let‘s talk about why matcha is so hot right now. Matcha, which literally means "powdered tea," is a type of green tea that‘s been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. But in recent years, it‘s exploded in popularity worldwide.
So why is everyone from wellness influencers to your hip neighborhood barista suddenly mad about matcha? Here are a few key reasons:
🍵 Health Benefits: Matcha is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll. In fact, one study found that matcha has 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea! Research suggests matcha may help boost metabolism, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease and cancer.
🍵 Clean Energy: While matcha does contain caffeine, it also has high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. This combo provides a smooth, jitter-free energy boost that many people find preferable to coffee.
🍵 Versatility: Matcha can be enjoyed in so many ways – from traditional hot tea to trendy lattes, smoothies, baked goods, and beyond. Its earthy, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
🍵 Aesthetic Appeal: Let‘s be real, matcha is gorgeous! Its vibrant green color makes for an eye-catching addition to drinks and treats, perfect for the Instagram age.
According to a market research report, the global matcha market size was estimated at USD 2.26 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.6% from 2020 to 2027. Much of that growth is driven by rising consumer interest in health and wellness.
What Makes Golde Matcha Special
Now that you know why matcha is so popular, let‘s talk about what sets Golde apart from the green tea crowd. Golde is a Brooklyn-born wellness brand that launched in 2017 with a single product: the Original Turmeric Latte Blend. Since then, they‘ve expanded to offer a variety of superfood-boosted essentials, from drink blends to face masks.
But Golde is about more than just products – it‘s a brand with a mission. Founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford when she was just 23, Golde is all about making superfoods more accessible and fun for everyone. As a Black woman-owned business, they‘re also committed to increasing representation and equality in the wellness space.
So how does Golde‘s matcha compare to other options out there? Here‘s my take:
Quality & Sourcing
The quality of matcha can vary widely depending on factors like where and how it‘s grown, harvested, and processed. Golde sources their matcha from Uji, Japan, one of the oldest and most renowned regions for matcha cultivation.
They exclusively use shade-grown, stone-ground tencha leaves from the first harvest – i.e. the highest quality stuff. Golde‘s matcha is also certified organic and goes through extensive third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants to ensure purity and safety.
When I opened my tin of Golde Pure Matcha, the first thing I noticed was the stunningly vibrant green color – a sign of high-quality matcha. The aroma was fresh and grassy, and the powder had a silky smooth texture.
Flavor & Versatility
Of course, the flavor and versatility of matcha are just as important as the quality. Golde‘s Pure Matcha has a smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet taste with no bitterness. It whisks up beautifully into a frothy cup of traditional hot matcha or an iced latte.
The flavor is definitely on the gentler side compared to some other ceremonial grade matchas I‘ve tried, which makes it very approachable for matcha newbies. But as a daily matcha drinker, I still find it plenty satisfying.
If you want to change things up, Golde‘s Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend is a tasty twist on traditional matcha. It combines matcha with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut milk powder for a deliciously earthy and subtly spiced flavor. I love it mixed with just hot water for a quick and cozy superfood tonic, but it‘s also yummy with your favorite milk.
Pricing & Value
Now let‘s talk about the green elephant in the room: matcha can be pricey! A 1.4 oz tin of Golde Pure Matcha costs $28, which is definitely an investment. But in my experience, it‘s pretty standard pricing for high-quality, ceremonial grade matcha.
To put it in perspective, a tin of Golde Pure Matcha contains about 14-16 servings, which shakes out to about $1.75-2 per serving. When you consider that a matcha latte at a cafe easily runs $5+, making it at home with Golde is actually a bargain!
If you want to save a bit, I recommend signing up for Golde‘s subscribe and save option, which knocks 10% off the price. The Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend is also a great value at $29 for 30 servings (just under $1 each).
Comparison to Other Brands
To see how Golde matcha measures up to the competition, I put together this handy comparison chart:
| Brand | Grade | Origin | Price (1 oz) | Organic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golde | Ceremonial | Uji, Japan | $20 ($28/1.4 oz) | Yes |
| Encha | Ceremonial | Uji, Japan | $25 | Yes |
| MatchaBar | Ceremonial | Uji, Japan | $30 | No |
| Ippodo | Ceremonial | Kyoto, Japan | $33 | No |
| Jade Leaf | Ceremonial | Uji, Japan | $19 | Yes |
| Rishi | Ceremonial | Kagoshima, Japan | $27 | Yes |
As you can see, Golde‘s pricing is about average compared to other popular ceremonial grade options. But I give Golde bonus points for their organic certification, transparent sourcing, and third-party testing.
Customer Reviews
You know I adore Golde matcha, but what do other customers think? I scoured reviews from the Golde website, Amazon, and other retailers to find out. Here are some key review themes:
- Rave about the smooth, creamy texture and flavor
- Love the convenience of Matcha Latte Blend
- Praise the brand‘s mission and commitment to clean ingredients
- Appreciate the focus/energy boost without jitters or crash
- Some wish matcha came in larger/bulk size
- A few had issues with clumping (tip: sift first & use a whisk!)
Here are a few review highlights:
"Golde is hands down my favorite matcha. It‘s smooth and not bitter at all. I love the energy it gives me without the anxious feeling I get from coffee. Well worth the price!" – Jenna K.
"The Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend is amazing!! It tastes great on its own blended with hot water. I feel like I‘m at a fancy coffee shop, but in the comfort of my home!" – Aaliyah M.
"I love Golde‘s mission and commitment to inclusivity in the wellness space. The matcha is top quality and I feel good supporting this brand." – Reyna T.
Overall, Golde matcha has an impressive 4.9 average rating on their website with over 500 reviews. Over 90% of Amazon reviewers also rated the Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend 4 stars or above. Can you say matcha magic?
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Golde Matcha
Now that you‘re convinced to try Golde matcha (I mean, how could you not be?), let me give you some tips for preparing it like a pro:
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Sift It: Sifting your matcha through a fine mesh strainer helps break up any clumps for a silky smooth consistency. This is especially key if your matcha has settled during shipping/storage.
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Get the Water Right: For best flavor, use hot water that‘s around 175°F – not quite boiling. If your water is too hot, it can make matcha taste bitter.
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Whisk Well: Using a bamboo matcha whisk in a gentle W pattern is the traditional way to prepare matcha and get that satisfying froth. An electric milk frother can also work in a pinch!
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Customize It: I like my matcha strong, but if you prefer a mellower sip, just use a bit less powder. The typical ratio is 1 tsp matcha to 2 oz hot water, but feel free to adjust to taste! You can also experiment with adding your favorite milk and sweetener.
Want to get creative with your Golde matcha? Here are a few yummy recipe ideas:
- Iced Matcha Limeade: Combine 1 tsp matcha with juice of 1 lime, 8 oz cold water, and sweetener to taste over ice. So refreshing!
- Matcha Chia Pudding: Mix 1 tsp matcha into your fave chia pudding recipe for a healthy breakfast or snack packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Matcha Nice Cream: Blend 1 tsp matcha with 2 frozen bananas, a splash of milk, and a little vanilla/sweetener for an easy vegan matcha ice cream.
Golde Matcha FAQ
Before I wrap up this epic matcha review, let‘s go over some FAQs about Golde matcha:
Is Golde matcha organic?
Yes! Both the Pure Matcha and the matcha in Golde‘s latte blends are certified organic and sourced from Uji, Japan.
How much caffeine does Golde matcha have?
One serving of Golde Pure Matcha (1 tsp) contains about 70mg of caffeine, which is similar to a shot of espresso. However, the L-theanine in matcha helps prevent caffeine jitters.
Does Golde offer any discounts?
The easiest way to save on Golde matcha is by signing up for a Subscribe & Save plan, which gives you 10% off every order. Golde also offers occasional discounts to email subscribers, so sign up to stay in the loop!
How long does Golde matcha last?
Matcha is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and nutrients. Golde recommends using their Pure Matcha within 2 months of opening and storing it in a cool, dry place (ideally the fridge). Their latte blends have a shelf life of 6 months.
What are the ingredients in Golde‘s Matcha Latte Blend?
The Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend contains just 6 organic ingredients: coconut milk powder, matcha, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut sugar.
Final Thoughts
Well friend, you‘ve officially reached the end of my Golde matcha novel (thanks for sticking with me!). As you can probably tell, I‘m a bit passionate about this magical green powder.
In my humble, matcha-fueled opinion, Golde is absolutely worth the hype and a solid choice whether you‘re a matcha maven or a total newbie. With their commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity, Golde is more than just a pretty pouch of tea.
Their matcha delivers on flavor, nutritional benefits, and versatility – and I love that I can feel good about supporting a small BIPOC-owned business at the same time. The only downside is that my Golde matcha habit is slowly taking over my pantry (and maybe my life).
So go ahead, treat yourself to some Golde goodness and experience the magic for yourself. And don‘t forget to snap a pic of your next matcha moment and tag me (@matchaqueen) so I can live vicariously through you!
Happy sipping!
*Note: While I did receive a free product from Golde, all opinions are my own. I only recommend products I truly love and think you will too!
